We have four FBS schools here. That gets us to 45 games. To get to 50, we added some enticing matchups from the lower divisions. The criteria for ranking includes anticipated importance of the matchup, competitiveness and entertainment value.

50. Ball State vs. Central Connecticut State, Aug. 30 — CCSU has played just one FBS team the past decade, losing 50-7 to Syracuse last season. The Orange went on to finish last in the ACC Atlantic Division. But hey, the Cardinals have a chance to open the season 1-0 after a rough 2-10 campaign in 2017.

49. Ball State vs. Western Kentucky, Sept. 22 — The Hilltoppers' first season post-Jeff Brohm fell short of the standard Brohm set in Bowling Green, though they were one of 78 teams to reach a bowl. This is Ball State's best shot at a nonconference win against an FBS opponent. WKU may be beat up after games against Wisconsin and Louisville before heading to Muncie.

48. Ball State vs. Miami (Ohio), Nov. 20 — The regular-season finale for two teams that figure to be on the outside looking in on their respective MAC divisions.

47. Indiana State vs. Quincy, Aug. 30 — The Sycamores enter the 2018 season on a 14-game losing streak and Curt Mallory is still looking for his first win in charge. Enter Quincy College, a Division II team which went 3-8 a season ago and lost to UIndy 55-0.

Ball State quarterback Riley Neal is fully healthy and back at spring practice.

Ball State quarterback Riley Neal is fully healthy and back at spring practice.

45. Ball State vs. Western Michigan, Nov. 13 — A MAC West matchup that will likely have little bearing on the division title race.

44. Marian at St. Francis, Sept. 29 — These two Indiana schools have combined for the past three NAIA national championships (Marian won in 2015, St. Francis has gone back-to-back, 2016-17).

43. Ball State at Central Michigan, Oct. 13 — Another MAC bowl team from a year ago, the Chippewas beat the Cardinals 56-9 last season.

42. Ball State vs. Northern Illinois, Oct. 6 — The race for the MAC West title figures to come down to NIU and Toledo and the Huskies have owned the Cardinals this decade. Ball State hasn't beaten Northern Illinois since 2008 and the Huskies' average margin of victory is 18.3 points versus the Cards.

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41. Ball State at Toledo, Oct. 31 — Last year's MAC champion (11-3), the Rockets will likely challenge Ohio for conference supremacy. Ball State has lost four straight to Toledo, including last year's 58-17 setback.

39. Indiana at Florida International, Sept. 1 — The Hoosiers travel to South Florida for the second time in three years to face the Golden Panthers. IU beat FIU 34-13 in 2016 and the two were scheduled to play again last season before Hurricane Irma stranded FIU in Alabama. IU replaced FIU with Charleston Southern and the Golden Panthers went on to an 8-5 season and appearance in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl. Yes, that's a real game.

38. Ball State vs. Kent State, Sept. 29 — The Cardinals have lost 13 straight MAC games, but their conference opener at home against the Flashes offers Ball State perhaps its best shot at snapping the skid. Kent State matched Ball State with a 2-10 record last season (they did not play) and will be coming off back-to-back road games against Penn State and Ole Miss.

36. Indianapolis at Grand Valley State, Aug. 30 — The Greyhounds are coming off an 11-1 season which began with a 24-20 win over the second-ranked Lakers. UIndy opens the season against GVSU again, and could set the tone for another productive year with another win over a perennial Division II power.

35. Notre Dame vs. Vanderbilt, Sept. 15 — The Commodores have just six combined SEC wins the past four years.

IU can't afford another slip-up against Rutgers.

IU can't afford another slip-up against Rutgers.

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

34. Indiana at Rutgers, Sept. 29 — Despite beating Rutgers 41-0 a season ago, the Scarlet Knights surprisingly had more Big Ten wins than IU last season (three to two). If the Hoosiers want to return to a bowl, that can't happen again.

33. Purdue at Illinois, Oct. 13 — Lovie Smith's Illini tenure has gotten off to a rocky start. Illinois has lost 12 straight Big Ten games and hasn't had a winning season since firing Ron Zook in 2011.

32. Indiana at Minnesota, Oct. 26 — It's a Friday night nationally-televised game, which adds some juice. Realistically, the Hoosiers should be 4-4 to this point in the season. Win this game, you're still on track for a bowl game. Lose it, and you can kiss a bowl goodbye.

31. Purdue at Minnesota, Nov. 10 — Sandwiched in between two likely more competitive Big Ten West games (Iowa and Wisconsin), the Boilers can't afford to overlook the Gophers, who were outscored 70-0 in their final two games last season.

30. Hanover at Franklin College, Nov. 10 — A game always circled on the calendar, this will be 88th Victory Bell game. The Grizzlies have won 13 straight, knotting the overall series at 42-42-3.

29. Notre Dame vs. Syracuse in Yankee Stadium, Nov. 17 — The game is really only this high on the list because of the Yankee Stadium appeal. The Orange haven't had a winning season since 2013 and followed up its upset of Clemson last season with five straight losses to end the year.

28. Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh, Oct. 13 — The Panthers are coming off their first bowl-less season since 2007. Pitt's offense may be better than last year, but its pass defense is abysmal. Brandon Wimbush (or maybe Ian Book) will be licking his chops.

IU linebacker Dameon Willis (shown here against Ball State in 2016) provides some experience for ...more

27. Indiana vs. Ball State, Sept. 15 — IU's last of three nonconference games (all which it needs to win to maintain bowl hopes), the Hoosiers can't afford a slip-up against the Cardinals. Ball State is rebuilding, but IU fans still have scars from the Cardinals' 2012 upset in Bloomington.

26. Notre Dame at Wake Forest, Sept. 22 — The Demon Deacons scored 37 points at Notre Dame last season and the Irish weren’t the same afterward, losing two of their final three regular season games.

25. Indiana vs. Penn State, Oct. 20 — The Hoosiers are 1-20 all-time against Penn State, with the only win coming in 2013. Saquon Barkley is in the NFL, but the Nittany Lions return the Big Ten's top passer Trace McSorley.

24. Purdue vs. Boston College, Sept. 22 — Purdue gets a nonconference test against a Power 5 bowl team from a year ago. However, the Eagles have lost their last 11 games against ranked teams. If the Boilermakers take care of business in their first three contests, a national ranking isn't out of the question. Of course, Purdue hasn't been ranked since 2007, so that might be a tad optimistic.

23. Indiana vs. Iowa, Oc. 13 — Speaking of rankings, Indiana has the longest AP Top 25 drought among Power 5 schools (1994). A Top 25 appearance seems far-fetched, but a win over Iowa might have the Hoosiers feeling like a New Year's Day bowl isn't out of the question.

Peyton Ramsey led IU to a win in Charlottesville last year.

Peyton Ramsey led IU to a win in Charlottesville last year.

Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

22. Indiana vs. Virginia, Sept. 8 — A must-win for the Hoosiers. Indiana went to Charlottesville a season ago and left with a 34-17 win in Peyton Ramsey's breakout game. The Cavaliers rebounded to reach a bowl for the first time since 2011, but need to replace QB Kurt Benkert.

21. Purdue vs. Missouri, Sept. 15 — Another nonconference game against a Power 5 bowl team, the Boilers will be tested by the Tigers' high-octane offense. Mizzou averaged 45.5 points a game in their final six regular-season games a year ago (all wins).

20. Indiana vs. Maryland, Nov. 10 — Likely the last game on IU's schedule where the Hoosiers will be favored. Like IU, the Terrapins won just two Big Ten games a year ago, though that included a 42-39 win over the Hoosiers. Indiana's bowl hopes hinge on games like this.

19. Notre Dame vs. Ball State, Sept. 8 — Their campuses are less than a three-hour drive from each other, but Notre Dame and Ball State have never played each other in football. The game likely won't be competitive, but history is history.

18. Notre Dame vs. Navy in San Diego, Oct. 27 — The Midshipmen and their triple option are always dangerous. Last year Notre Dame beat this rival in an ugly 24-17 game in the rain. But it doesn't rain in San Diego, so this should be easier on the eyes.

17. Indiana vs. Michigan State, Sept. 22 — IU's Big Ten opener is at home against a team the Hoosiers hung with a year ago (before losing 17-9). This is one of college football's trophy games few know exists. Indiana and Michigan State have been playing for the Old Brass Spittoon since 1950 — though the Hoosiers won it just three times since 1995.

16. Purdue at Nebraska, Sept. 29 — Nebraska figures to be better this year with prodigal son Scott Frost in charge. This is an early opportunity for Purdue to establish itself as a Big Ten West contender.

15. Indiana at Ohio State, Oct. 6 — The Buckeyes have won 22 straight against the Hoosiers. One more win and Ohio State matches the longest streak in series history (1960-86).

14. Purdue at Michigan State, Oct. 27 — After a down 2016 season, the Spartans rebounded to a 10-3 mark last year. They return QB Brian Lewerke and RB L.J. Scott and some think MSU just might be a playoff sleeper.

13. Indiana at Michigan, Nov. 17 — Like the Buckeyes, the Wolverines have beaten the Hoosiers 22 times in a row. To IU's credit, the past three meetings have been closer, with an average margin of eight points. This is a chance for Tom Allen's breakthrough.

12. Notre Dame at Virginia Tech, Oct. 6 — Notre Dame's first ever visit to Blacksburg and hotels in town are already sold out. Justin Fuente has rejuvenated the Hokies in his first two seasons after taking over for longtime coach Frank Beamer.

11. Notre Dame at Northwestern, Nov. 3 — This will also be an interesting test for the Irish, coming off a West Coast road trip the previous week against Navy. Notre Dame hasn't played at Ryan Field since 1976, but expect plenty of Irish fans in Evanston.

Purdue quarterback Elijah Sindelar celebrates with fans after upsetting Iowa on the road last ...more

Purdue quarterback Elijah Sindelar celebrates with fans after upsetting Iowa on the road last season.

Charlie Neibergall, AP

10. Purdue vs. Iowa, Nov. 3 — Purdue snapped a four-game losing streak to the Hawkeyes with a surprising 24-15 win in Iowa City last season. Beat them again and the Boilermakers' case as a West contender picks up steam.

9. Notre Dame vs. Florida State, Nov. 10 — Florida State doesn't quite have the same cache anymore, but the Seminoles are far from an also-ran. Regardless of FSU's QB situation (whether it's Deondre Francois or James Blackman), this will be a huge test for the Irish, who have gotten into a habit of struggling in November.

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8. Wabash vs. DePauw, Nov. 10 — This year's Monon Bell marks the 125th meeting between arch-rivals. After Wabash's seven-year dominant stretch (2009-15), the game has been more competitive the past two seasons. DePauw won 37-34 in 2016, while the Little Giants reclaimed the Bell with a 22-21 nail-biter last season.

7. Purdue vs. Ohio State, Oct. 20 — These two haven't met since 2013. And after that 56-0 beatdown, it's doubtful too many Boilermakers fans missed the Buckeyes. But confidence is higher than it's been in a decade in West Lafayette and this is an important measuring stick game against the Big Ten's best.

6. Indiana vs. Purdue, Nov. 24 — Last year's Old Oaken Bucket Game was for more than bragging rights. It was a bowl-game eliminator. IU likely will need the Bucket if it's going to return to a bowl. And if Purdue is in the West title hunt, this is game the Boilers can't take for granted.

5. Purdue vs. Northwestern, Aug. 30 — What does Jeff Brohm do for an encore? Ross-Ade Stadium should be amped up for a Thursday night season opener on national TV. Northwestern finished the season on an eight-game winning streak and looks like an early candidate to challenge Wisconsin for West supremacy. If Purdue wins this, all that offseason momentum amplifies.

Stanford running back Cameron Scarlett (22) runs in for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting ...more

Stanford running back Cameron Scarlett (22) runs in for a touchdown against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Nyles Morgan (5) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium last season.

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

4. Notre Dame vs. Stanford, Sept. 29 — Notre Dame had one of its worst performances on the road against the Cardinal last year. With the loss, the Irish missed a chance to finish the regular season with 10 wins and were ousted from a potential New Year’s Six bowl. Stanford returns quarterback K.J. Costello and Heisman Trophy contender Bryce Love.

3. Notre Dame at USC, Nov. 24 — Last year, the Irish shocked their rival 49-14 and vaulted into the College Football Playoff discussion. As the season finale, this could be a decisive road game with naturally built in Playoff repercussions for both teams.

2. Notre Dame vs. Michigan, Sept. 1 — This game will set the tone for both teams in their first meeting since the rivalry supposedly ended in 2014. Jim Harbaugh will arrive in South Bend with a new quarterback in Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson, who threw for 2,259 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven starts last season for the Rebels. Michigan’s defense, ranked third nationally last year, is supposed to be even better now, led by All-American linebacker Devin Bush Jr., and linemen Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich. This game could have the makings of a defensive battle.

1. Purdue vs. Wisconsin, Nov. 17 — If Purdue is what many think they are, then this game could decide the West. Win, and the Boilers are in the Big Ten title game at Lucas Oil Stadium and potentially playing for a New Year's Six bowl. Now for the bad news: Wisconsin has beaten Purdue 12 times in a row.